March in National Youth Art Month, in celebration of the occasion, the Walkers' Gallery at the San Marcos Activity Center will be displaying San Marcos students' works, including "Untitled" by San Marcos High School Senior Isabella de la Iglesia. Her art teacher is Darin Wood. Photos courtesy of Linda Kelsey-Jones
Community celebrates Youth Art Month
As spring flowers push through the cold ground and line bare branches of trees, the grey walls of the Activity Center are popping with exuberant color of young budding artists – it’s Youth Art Month.
Celebrated nationally in March since 1961, Youth Art Month (YAM) celebrates “the value of art education which develops divergent and critical thinking; multicultural awareness; and technical, communication, and expressive skills.”
“Mystical City” by Third Grade Travis Elementary student Urban King Garza. The art teacher is Maria Garibay.
San Marcos High School initiated YAM exhibits many decades ago and, with support from parent volunteers, the celebration expanded to include the entire district and community nearly 30 years ago. This year is the 22nd year of the exhibit at the Walkers’ Gallery and is especially exciting with the recent addition of several new art teachers throughout the school district.
"Untitled" mixed media by Wonderland School Kindergarten student Ethan Sidi. The art teacher is Debangana Banerjee
More than 100 artworks are on display from grades prekindergarten through 12th, representing all schools in San Marcos CISD, the Master’s School, Wonderland School and ArtSpace at Centro Cultural Hispano.
The public is invited to the Youth Art Month exhibit reception at the Walkers’ Gallery on Thursday, March 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center.
“Ocotillo Through the seasons” by Mendez Second Grade student Mackenzie Gomez. The art teacher is Adam Vogelwede.
This year’s reception program will include musical performances by local students and recognition of student artists and their teachers.
- 5-5:30 p.m. - San Marcos High School Orchestra
- 5:30-5:45 p.m. - Recognition of Artists and Teachers
- 5:45-5:55 p.m. - Hernandez Elementary Drum Club
- 5:55-6:05 p.m. - Crockett Musical Group
- 6:05-6:30 p.m. - Hill Country Youth Chorus
This exhibit and event is sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and the city of San Marcos with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.
The exhibit will be on display through March 29 and is always free and open to the public during regular Activity Center hours.
